Can an 8 week old sleep too much?

[dh8892]

My DS is just about to turn 8 weeks old. Since he was born he’s been a real sleeper.

During the day he’s awake, at most, for 3 hours or so in total a day; he’s smiling and cooing but after an hour of being awake ready to sleep again

At night he wakes every 3 hours or so for a feed; he’s barely awake and goes straight back to sleep.

I raised my concerns with the health visitor at the 6 week check up; she said as long as he’s meeting his developmental goals then leave him to it and enjoy the sleep.

I am still worried though and think I should raise it with the GP, am I being reasonable to do so? I just find it bizarre that in a 24 hour period he’s asleep for 20/21 hours of it.

DS is a big boy - born a few weeks early weighing a hefty 10.2lbs. He’s around 14lbs now and otherwise healthy and happy.

Maybe it’s because my first DS never slept, day or night and still wakes at night despite being 5 and therefore this feels alien to me.

Anyone else have an 8 week old who apparently just loves sleep - can this really be normal?

I think it would be a good idea to get him checked out by the GP. I’d be worried too.

Mine was like this too - barely awake most time. He had jaundice which makes babies more sleepy than the average. It was like that for almost 3 months. He’s 13 months old now and a terrible sleeper.
Make sure you wake him up to feed though but if you feel something is wrong then definitely take him to the GP. Fill your instincts!

I think it’s maybe a bit unusual?

With anything like this I’d always suggest following your instincts. So if you are going to see the GP, I’d say it would be worth filling in and scoring the 4 month Ages & Stages.

He is at the very beginning of the age range though so don’t be too worried but if he has grey in more than 2 areas or black in any area I would ask for a referral to a Paediatrician.

My baby was like this also 10lb when born. He slept through 7pm utility 5am every night at 3 week old health visitor said it was fine. It’s a long time since though so maybe things have changed. He’s a strapping adult now that loves his sleep.

I found that at around 12 weeks mine started being awake a lot more. Before then they slept a lot.

Agree that it could just be his weight that makes him content enough to sleep